Benefits of Participating
In the world’s most unique wine challenge
The Challenge is more than just a competition
It is a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and integrity in the global wine industry. Each entry is meticulously evaluated blind by an international panel of expert judges, ensuring that only the best wines receive the accolade they deserve.
This rigorous assessment process is underpinned by the world leading Drinkme Digital software suite – custom built to our rigorous specifications and centered around instant access to information. All of these components not only uphold the uniqueness and prestige of the challenge but also guide consumers in discovering outstanding wines that stand a cut above the rest.
21 years of experience
The Global Fine Wine Challenge, now in its 21th year continues to go from strength to strength. We offer a true benchmarking opportunity for New World Wine Producers – the Wine Olympics!
World Class Judges
The Challenge is proud to have a family of some of the worlds leading wine writers and wine judges in it’s ranks.
View our panel of judges here
Rigorous judging process
Every wine entered is judged blind. Wines are ranked by judges using a preference system. The process is rigorous & thorough, with each wine passing through a number of palates for evaluation.
Group discussion follows driven by Drinkme Digital data displayed in real time.
“Only the very best wines are invited to enter, selected by expert country representatives. But great wine is certainly not constrained by geopolitical borders; rather, it reflects the uncompromising approach of its makers in the vineyard and winery.
I applaud all participants and indeed the award winners, and urge consumers to seek out these outstanding wines”.
Toni Paterson MW
Master of Wine
The voice of the New World winemakers
We level the playing field against the traditional “Old World” producers. Underpinned by a combination of leading wine critics, winemakers and Masters of wine together with world-class software, we are the voice of the new, emerging & established – Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, America, Chile & Argentina.
Constantly evolving and expanding
We keep an eye on trends, then monitor and adjust classes to accommodate the ever-increasing range of varieties being planted or coming to prominence.
Entry is Strictly by invitation only
We are the only Wine Challenge of its kind, where entries are nominated to participate by each nations leading wine critic. Our past 20 years have firmly entrenched the reputation of the challenge globally, our standards and the recognition producers get from nomination and participation.
“What makes the Global Fine Wine Challenge truly unique, is the calibre of the wines entered. Having the chance to judge such a diverse selection of fine wine from the participating nations is a rare opportunity and a professional highlight. Some of the results may be surprising, but in the end that is the aim of the Challenge. To smash preconceptions and highlight the exceptional wines that stand out, not just for their origins or reputation, but for what is in the glass.
To that end, the Global Fine Wine Challenge is a huge success.”
Andrea Pritzker MW
Master of Wine
International marketplace recognition
Our medals have established significance in the various international marketplaces. Consumers are increasingly relating to points and medals in guiding their buying decisions. The Global Fine Wine Challenge results are a trusted guide and tool for wine drinking, collecting and buying patterns.
Wine people doing wine things
Our back of house team are often composed of industry trained Sommeliers, assistant Winemakers, on-premise & off-premise Managers & WSET students who understand the importance of accuracy and professionalism in handling your wines.
World class software powers this show
The Global Fine Wine Challenge is powered by the Drinkme.Digital software platform. This custom built wine & spirits software has been designed around all aspects of wine judging, and tested over the past 4 years by some of the worlds leading wine critics.
“The development of our world-class bespoke software platform, Drinkme Digital was not only essential for our future growth plans; it drives domestic and international awareness of the wines and brands that participate in the Challenge. With the addition of our consumer facing portal in 2024, we are expecting even deeper reach and exposure for our family of participants”.
Ross Anderson
Director of the Global Fine Wine Challenge
Full access to judging feedback
What does this mean for you? Accuracy, detailed reporting, capture of judging comments, access to scores and more, all through a dedicated online login for each winery participating. Digital downloads of medals and logos for self promotion.
Promotion and exposure on our website powered by Drinkme Digital
In 2024, we launched a consumer facing portal which pulls all the judging commentary and medal results from the Drinkme Digital platform and displays this information into a consumer facing resource/reference, and buying guide. This site together with Drinkme.Digital data has been built to optimise SEO rankings. Make sure your account information and imagery is spot on!